Chelsea have endured a tough start to the season and it just got a lot tougher for Enzo Maresca's side. One of the key reasons behind their struggles have been their long list of injury problems and unfortunately, it does not look like it is going to get better anytime soon. That's because Cole Palmer won't be on the pitch in the near future.
Palmer had to be subbed off in the recent game against Manchester United inside 20 minutes as it looked like he had aggravated his groin injury. He had played the entire match just days earlier against Bayern Munich and looked in discomfort towards the end of it as well.
It is believed that Palmer has been dealing with this groin problem since before the Club World Cup. And Chelsea need to find a permanent solution to this. They cannot allow this to be a never-ending issue that the Englishman has to play through.
Chelsea do seem to have taken a decision that might ensure that happens. As reported by Hayters, Maresca said about Palmer's fitness status and return:
"We’ve decided to protect Cole a little bit.
“In terms of not letting his injury get worse.
“We decided to rest him for two to three weeks until the international break to see if with that rest he can recover 100% and to be fit after.
“I don’t think he needs surgery but it is just to manage the pain in his groin. We have decided to be a little bit conservative with him."
Enzo Maresca confirms extent of Chelsea's Cole Palmer injury blow
Of course, that means that Palmer is going to miss several games, at least. The next international game is in early to mid-October. That being said, if that ends up solving the issue and the midfielder returns at 100%, or close to it, then it is the right decision for sure.
Facundo Buonanotte has shown signs that he can step in as Chelsea's number 10 in games Palmer is not available. That being said, he won't be available against Brighton & Hove Albion as he is only on loan at Stamford Bridge from the Seagulls.
Of course, that leaves Chelsea in a bit of a pickle. It will be interesting to see how they solve that number 10 situation against Brighton at the weekend, with Palmer and Buonanotte both unavailable.
Ideally, Joao Pedro could slot in there but Chelsea do not have any real depth up front either. Pedro Neto on the right, Alejandro Garnacho on the left and Estevao through the centre could be a solution. It remains to be seen if Maresca tries that or not.